Patient Safety Alert: Oxygen Cylinder Use
The National Health Service (NHS) recently issued a patient safety alert that warns healthcare staff to re-educate themselves on proper oxygen cylinder use. Due to a recent design change, many staff members may believe oxygen is flowing when it is not, or they are unable to turn on oxygen flow in an emergency. Cylinders with integral valves are now in common use and require several steps (typically removing a plastic cap, turning a valve and adjusting a dial) before oxygen starts to flow. To reduce the risk of fire, valves must be closed when cylinders are not in use, and cylinders carried in special holdersRead More →






